Agroforestry Management for Tropical and Subtropical Agroforestry Systems: Management guide and practical workshops

Project Overview

ES19-149
Project Type: Professional Development Program
Funds awarded in 2019: $53,609.00
Projected End Date: 03/31/2022
Grant Recipient: University of Puerto Rico Utuado
Region: Southern
State: Puerto Rico
Principal Investigator:
Andre Sanfiorenzo
University of Puerto Rico at Utuado

Information Products

Commodities

  • Additional Plants: trees

Practices

  • Crop Production: agroforestry
  • Education and Training: extension

    Proposal abstract:

    Agroforestry systems have shown to be more resilient to catastrophic events. When compared to traditional monoculture, agroforestry systems receive less damage and recover faster after events such as hurricanes and flooding. We propose a combination of on-farm practical learning and a multimedia shade agroforestry management guide to encourage local extension agents and farmers to adopt and recommend agroforestry practices. The goal of this project is to ease the barriers for the adoption of agroforestry systems. Participants will be recruited from local extension agents, Department of Agriculture field agronomists, local NGOs and farmers with whom they work and currently have or shown an interest in establishing agroforestry practices. As a result we expect participants to be more prone to recommend or establish agroforestry systems, as well as be prepared to train others on the management of the shade tree component. Surveys and reflections will be used as tools to evaluate the impacts and achievement of the project goals.

    Project objectives from proposal:

    • The creation of a multimedia agroforestry management guide that will serve as a tool for local extension agents and farmers to train, promote, and manage shade trees within multiple types of agroforestry systems.
    • Expose 45 participants to a series of practical workshops based on experiential learning that will include multiple areas of shade tree management.
    • Provide tools for the participants at the end of the project and also ensure they will become trainers and have all the necessary equipment to perform practical learning training.
    Any opinions, findings, conclusions, or recommendations expressed in this publication are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the view of the U.S. Department of Agriculture or SARE.